“We’ve never talked about it”: Leylah Fernandez on her relationship with Emma Raducanu after US Open final
WTA
Leylah Fernandez has opened up about her relationship with Emma Raducanu five years after the Brit defeated her in the 2021 US Open final, explaining why the two have never discussed their memorable meeting in New York.
The Canadian and Raducanu were both teenagers when they reached the final, producing one of the most unexpected Grand Slam championship matches in recent tennis history.
Raducanu won 6-4, 6-3 to claim her maiden Grand Slam title without dropping a set throughout the tournament, having started her campaign in qualifying. Fernandez also enjoyed an impressive run, defeating Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka on her way to the final. Despite the significance of their achievements, the two players have never sat down together to reflect on that experience.
Fernandez is still competing on the WTA Tour and is currently playing at the Ningbo Open. She reached the quarterfinals after beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-3 in a match lasting three hours and three minutes.
In an interview with Tennis Magazin, Fernandez discussed the circumstances behind her breakthrough at the US Open, her unusual connection with Raducanu and how her relationship has developed despite the demands of professional sport.
Fernandez explains why she and Raducanu have never discussed their US Open final
Fernandez's run to the 2021 US Open final followed a difficult period in which she was struggling with her game and confidence.
"“I played against Ana Konjuh in the first round and came close to losing the first set. All those thoughts came back to me: I’m going to get knocked out again, I’m going home, this isn’t going to be fun."
"My coach wasn’t even there, but my fitness trainer and my mother were, and when I looked at them, they seemed very positive. That helped me refocus on the match. I won in two sets and was ecstatic! From that point on, everything went well. I started enjoying myself again and also played well in doubles. And suddenly, I was in the final.”"
Her opponent in New York was Raducanu, who completed a historic run of her own. Asked whether their experience had created a bond and whether they ever talked about the final, Fernandez explained why the subject had never come up between them. “It's very strange, but we've never talked about it. Probably because of our mentality: we're competitors, we keep playing against each other."
"But I think we'll remember it when our careers end. We'll be able to sit down for a coffee and say: ‘Do you remember when we did that?’ Then we can share some funny stories. Right now, we're still very young and have many years ahead of us on the tour. We prefer to look ahead.”
Fernandez opens up about her boyfriend and life away from tennis
Fernandez also discussed her relationship with Vincent Boyly, explaining that their first encounter was largely accidental.
“One of his best friends had tickets to my match in Montreal and invited him along,” the former world No. 13 said. “He saw me play and sent me a message, so he had no idea about my dating announcement. He came across the video on his feed a few hours later. I had very low expectations. To be honest, I didn’t think anything would come of it either. But then I understood.”
The relationship has since developed around their respective sporting commitments. Vincent plays adaptive ice hockey following a snowmobile accident during his adolescence that left him partially paralysed. After winning silver with Canada at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan, he travelled with Fernandez to Miami and Charleston.
“That made me really happy. We also celebrated his silver medal. We just see how things go: when he has a few days off, we meet up at tournaments. And when I have time off, we go on short holidays.”
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“It's good that he's also an athlete,” Fernandez added. “That way, he understands many things, such as the constant pressure and the emotional roller coaster. I didn't have to explain that to him. But I think it's good that he doesn't play tennis. I'm constantly surrounded by tennis players, and after a while, it becomes too much.”
“This little break is nice. I can talk to him about anything: movies, TV shows, what's happening in Montreal or in Florida, where I live now. We don't have to talk about tennis from morning until night, or about what I need to improve. Or about what I should do if I played tennis. It's good that he has his own life, his own career. Sometimes he travels with me, which makes me very happy. But even when we don't travel together, I'm happy to have him close.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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